How Dedicated Fans Turned Kirby Air Ride Into a Thriving Esport

64 min • 10 juli 2024

Over the past few years, a loyal group of players have built a thriving competitive scene around Kirby Air Ride's City Trial mode. Featuring regular tournaments for significant cash prizes and a Discord with over 11,000 members, it's a prime example of how dedicated fans can revive a classic game for a modern audience. So for a two-episode interview series, we're speaking with master Air Ride competitor drcKarGaming and community leader Protag to get an inside look at Kirby Air Ride netplay.

We learned so much from this interview, from the game's unique programming ties to Super Smash Bros. Melee to its often-overlooked strategic depth, and were impressed to hear all the modern updates (including a potential new map!) the team has brought to the base version of the game. As Bridget said at one point, it felt like we were learning a part of Kirby history. Part 2, further elaborating on the history of competitive Air Ride, will post next week.

If you'd like a monthly bonus episode, along with merchandise, shout-outs, and more, we hope you'll check out our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/KirbyConversations. July's monthly bonus episode will be all about busting Kirby myths and misconceptions, and you won't want to miss it!

Questions or comments about the show? Email us at [email protected].

For more from our guests:

drcKarGaming

X: @drcKarGaming

YouTube: @drcKarGaming

And here is his guide to the Kirby Air Ride competitive meta.

Protag

X: @Th3_Protagonist

YouTube: @Protagulous

Kirby Conversations

IG: @kirbyconversations

Bluesky: @kirbyconversations.bsky.social